The WBC and lineal world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury squares off against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a ten-round heavyweight boxing clash in Saudi Arabia this weekend. Billed as a contest between lineal world heavyweights in boxing and MMA, the fight has captivated fans worldwide. Reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s title will not be on the line as the champ looks forward to a clash for the undisputed status against Oleksandr Usyk after this bout. Now in the PFA after a contract fallout with Dana White, Cameroonian Francis Ngannou is a huge underdog ahead of the desert classic in Riyadh.
BOXING: Heavyweight
Venue: Riyadh Arena, Saudi Arabia
Where to watch: ESPN PPV; DAZN
Date: 29.10.2023.00.00
Tyson Fury
“The Gypsy King” made his professional debut in 2008 following a stellar amateur career representing England and Ireland. After gaining titles and success at the British and European levels, Tyson Fury challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, Lineal, and The Ring heavyweight titles and won a unanimous decision. However, the lineal champion lost the titles, beginning with the IBF stripping him of their strap ten days after he claimed it. Following a mental health challenge, Fury relinquished all the titles in October 2016. “The Gypsy King” made a comeback by claiming the WBC and The Ring titles from Deontay Wilder for the second time in early 2022, following a draw in their first fight. Unbeaten in thirty-three professional fights with twenty-four knockouts, Tyson Fury has stopped all his opponents in his last four fights.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 35
- Height: 6’ 9”
- Reach: 85”
- Record: 33-1
Francis Ngannou
After contract talks with Dana White failed, the former UFC heavyweight champion left the promotion. Currently affiliated with the PFL, Francis Ngannuo’s new contract allows him to compete in other sports like boxing. Originally headed to Europe for a boxing career, “The Predator” was convinced to try out MMA, learning his trade in the MMA factory gym. He became UFC champion in March 2021. With twelve knockouts from seventeen victories and nine of the knockouts by punches in the UFC, Francis Ngannuo is a threat in the boxing ring.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 37
- Height: 6’ 4”
- Reach: 83”
- Record: Nil
Betting Odds
Francis Ngannou is a 9.00 underdog on Bet365, with the favorite Tyson Fury to win by decision at 6.50 odds on Bet365. On Betwinner, Fury to win by TKO is 1.57 odds, and the fight to go the distance is priced at 6.5 odds. 1XBET prices a stoppage in round one at 9 odds and a knockout as the method of win at 3.6 odds.